Gestational Diabetes: How Should Pregnant Mothers Treat, Eat, and Exercise?

Author Lin Chaohui & Yue Hua & Fan Weihua Reviewed by Dr. Yang Chun from Zhuozheng Medical. In traditional concept，pregnant mothers are considered as "one person eating for two," which leads to an inc

Author

Lin Chaohui & Yue Hua & Fan Weihua

Reviewed by Dr. Yang Chun from Zhuozheng Medical.

In traditional concept，pregnant mothers are considered as “one person eating for two,” which leads to an increase in various meals and nutritional supplements provided to pregnant mothers, artificially causing more blood sugar load and even increasing the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Gestational diabetes can be “endless trouble” for both mothers and babies, and today we will discuss this topic.

What is GDM?

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to the condition where the insulin produced by the body during pregnancy cannot meet the additional demand for insulin, leading to abnormally increased blood sugar levels during pregnancy. GDM usually begins in the middle to late stages of pregnancy (24-26 weeks).

Is GDM common?

Very common, in the Asian population, about 18 out of every 100 pregnant women suffer from gestational diabetes.